MARCH 7, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
(Dennis Manktelow)
Top range of carnival fun Crazy hair, painted faces and plenty of rides will be among the highlights at the St Ambrose Primary School carnival next weekend. This year’s carnival will coincide with the Woodend Lions Club art show, with both to be held at the school on Saturday, March 18. Carnival-goers can also expect to be entertained at talent shows, jumping castles, Farmer Darryl’s animal farm, a treasure hunt and cupcake decorating. Principal Desmond Noack says the event showcases the best of the Macedon Ranges. “We are fortunate to live and work in a vibrant community where events such as our carnival are so well supported,” he said. “It’s fantastic that our two community events can run alongside one another. Carnival-goers will be able step away from the action on the school oval and be inspired by the work of local artists in St Ambrose Hall.” The festivities will run between 9.30am and 3.30pm at St Ambrose Parish Primary School, Templeton Street, Woodend. Details: www.facebook.com/ woodendlionsclub EVA, 10, AND JOSEPH, 7
Esther Lauaki
Roo killing spree shock By Esther Lauaki At least seven kangaroos were shot and left for dead as a wave of cruel killings in recent weeks swamped volunteers, Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network has claimed. Network spokesman Marcus Ward appealed to residents to take a stand against cruelty after three kangaroos were shot illegally and one had its legs removed in the Newham area, near a Western Water reservoir.
Mr Ward said the killings were the latest in a series of incidents that has plagued the area over the past month. A young pinkie joey was left alive only to die of exposure in last week’s attack, he said. The latest casualties come only a couple of weeks after rescuers had to euthanase two kangaroos at Gisborne after one was shot in the neck and left suffering for more than 10 days. Another at Bolinda was shot in the neck and eventually starved to death.
Under the national code of practice, people must have a permit to shoot kangaroos and must ensure the animals have “a sudden and painless death”. “It’s very disturbing and we think that it’s likely that the shooters live in the area,” Mr Ward told Star Weekly. “With cruelty increasing towards wildlife, we urge the community to take a stand and report any suspicious activity to the police and the land, environment and water department.
“What we want is for neighbours to keep their eyes and ears open,” he said. “It’s an ongoing occurrence and we want it to stop.” Mr Ward said that Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network volunteers would be patrolling the Newham area over coming weeks, and would be reporting to authorities anything suspicious that they see or hear. “A huge thank-you to the rescuers,” he said. “If everyone can get on board and help, our wildlife will be better for it.”